Closure



March 9, 1937. D. E. BAXTER CLOSURE- Filed Dec. 1, 1934 Patented Mn. a,1937 um'rao STATES PATENT OFFICE 12 Claims.

This invention relates to a closure and relates more particularly to aclosure means for a container. A general object of the present inventionis to provide a simple, practical air 5 tight closure for a containersuch as a bottle,

- jar, flask or the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a closure for a containerthat forms a perfectly air tight seal and'that positively prevents theen- 10 trance of foreign matter into the container whereby the contentsof the container may be preserved indefinitely.

Another object of the invention is to rovide a closure for a, containerthat visibly indicates T5- that the air tight seal is perfect and ismaintained whereby the condition of the contents of the container may bereadily and immediately determined. 4

Another object of the invention is to provide a 20 closure means of thecharacter mentioned that is substantially ta per proof so that there ispractically no danger o breaking the seal by handling the container orby investigation of the closure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a 25 closure of thecharacter mentioned that includes a penetrable or frangible sealingmember that may be easily ruptured, broken or penetrated by a hypodermicneedle to allow the contents to be drained from the container.

Another object of the invention is to provide a closure of the charactermentioned that is simple and inexpensive of manufacture and thatembodies but three simple parts.

A further object of the invention is to provide 35 a closure of thecharacter mentioned that allows the air tobe exhausted from thecontainer and that facilitates the preservation of the contents oi thecontainer.

The various objects and features of my inven- 40 tion will be fullyunderstood from the following detailed description of typical preferredforms and applications of my invention, throughout which descriptionreference is made to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a typical container or bottle illustratingone form of the invention positioned thereon. Fig. 2 is a top or planview of the container and the closure means being a view taken asindicated by line 2-2 on Fig. 1. 50 Fig. 3 is an enlarged verticaldetailed sectional view'taken as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. 1. Fig. 4is an enlarged perspective view of the under side of the cap. Fig. 5 isan enlarged perspective view of the sealing member. Fig. 6 is anenlarged 55 perspective view of the under side or the closure body andFig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 3 illustrating another form of theinvention.

The present invention is adapted to be embodied in forms for use oncontainers of various types and for use on containers holding diflerentclasses of fluids. Throughout the following detailed disclosure I willdescribe typical forms or the invention employed on simple containers orbottles of the type used for holding intravenous solutions, etc., itbeing understood that the invention is not to be construed as restrictedor limited to the specific forms or applications about to be described.

The typical bottle or container C illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of thedrawing is oi conventional shape and is provided at its upper end with areduced neck N. The neck N is cylindrical and is provided at its upperend with an outwardly projecting annular head or rim R. The upper endill of the neck N is substantially fiat and normal to the longitudinalaxis of the container 0. The longitudinal opening in the neck N whichcommunicates with the interior'oi the container C is cylindrical andsubstantially uniform in diameter.

The form of closure'means illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive, oi thedrawing includes, generally, a plug or closure body ii for arrangementin the opening 0 and having an opening i2 for communicating with theinterior of the container C, a seal or sealing member [3 for closing orsealing the opening i2 and means II for holding the sealing member i3 onthe closure body ii.

The plug or closure body i l is adapted to occupy the upper portion ofthe container opening 0 and is preferably proportioned to tightly fitthe opening. The body ii is resilient so that its exterior or peripherymay tightly bear on and seal against the wall of the opening 0. The bodyii is preterably formed of a good grade of gum rubber to have suflicientresiliency to properly bear on and seal against the wall 01! the opening0. The

' portion of the body ii which fits the opening 0 may be substantiallycylindrical, it being understood that this portion oi. the closure bodymay be tapered to wedge in the opening. In the form of the inventionbeing described the closure body ii has an annular outwardly projectingflange IS on its upper end to cooperate with and bear on the rim R.v Theouter or peripheral surface of the flange l may be cylindrical and maybe substantially flush with the periphery of the rim R. The lower sideor surface l8 0! the flange I5 is preferably flat and normal to thelongitudinal longitudinal axis of the body.- The flat upper v surface ofthe body i I continues across the flange It to its periphery. In theform of. the invention illustrated in the drawing the H has a singleopening it through which the contents of the container C. may bedrained, it being understood that the body ll may have as many openingsas found necessary. The opening it extends vertically or longitudinallythrough the body 8 i from. its lower side and its upper end portion itis enlarged. The wall of the opening portion I2 is preferably inclineddownwardly to receive a tube for draining the contents from thecontainer 0 and its tapered enlarged portion it" facilitates thereception of such a tube.

1 The seal or sealing member is normally closes or seals the upper endof the opening i2 to,posi-' tively prevent the entrance of air andforeign matter into the container C. The sealing member it is adapted toact as a valve to allow the air to be exhausted from the container C andimmediately following the drawing of the vacuum is operable toclose'under the action of atmosin the container. In accordance with theinvention the sealing member I3 is frangiblle being adapted to be cut bya suitable instrument or broken or ruptured by a tube being inserted inthe opening it. The sealing member 13 is normally or initially flat andis a comparatively thin sheet or disc which lies on the upper surface ofthe body H. smaller in diameter than the upper end of the body H but issufliciently large to extend across the upper end of the opening i2 andhave substantial bearing and sealing cooperation with the surface orwall of the upp r P rtion it of the opening I 2 and have substantialbearing and sealing cooperation with the upper surface of the body Inaccordance with the invention the sealing element It has a substantialdegree of flexibility so that it may be forced or flexed into the upperportion H of the opening 12 by atmospheric pressure when a reducedpressure exists in the container 0. The sealing member is is formed ofrubber or a rubber composition having a desired degree of flexibilityand that is impervious and impermeable to fluids. When a reducedprespressure acting on the external surface of the sealing member l3forces or flexes the central portion of the member into the upperportion i2 of the opening 12 to form or provide therein a depression I?and holds the under side of the sealing member in tight sealing contactwith the upper surface of the body ii. The sealing member IS in beingflexed or forced into the upper portion E2 of the body opening hassealing cooperation with its wall. The sealing member I3 is thus held insealing contact with the [body ll by the action of atmospheric pressureto positively seal the upper end of the opening I 2 against thecharacter The sealing member 63 is somewhat or vacuum in the container 0the closure body ii is inserted in the opening 0 and the sealing memberi3 is arranged on the upper surface oi the body. A bell or 'fitting isthen placed. on the When it is desired to draw a reduced pressureexposed peripheral portion of the body H and engages the member l3 at apoint spaced from the opening ii. The bell or fitting is connected witha vacuum pump and the air-is exhausted from the container C through thefitting, at which time the sealing member l3 lifts from the upper sideof the body II to allow the air to pass from the container. A bell orfitting of claimed in my co-pendingapplication entitled Device forexhausting air from containers, Serial No. 695,483, filed October 2'7,1933. Upon a suitable vacuum being drawn atmospheric pressure isadmitted to' the bell or fitting and this atmospheric pressure returnsthe sealing member 3 to theposition where it seals with the uppersurface of the body H. The bell orfitting. is then disengaged from theclosure body and the atmospheric pressure acting on the sealing memberl3 forces or flexes the member into the openreferred to above isdescribed and ing portion l2 and maintains the member in tight sealingengagement with the body ll.

' The means It holds the sealing member l! on the closure body ii toprevent it from being pheric pressure to maintain the reduced pressureshifted, displaced or raised and thus prevents the air tight seal frombeing broken. The'means It also clamps or forces the sealing member l8against the upper surface of the closure body H to hold it in sealingcooperation with the body,

- means.

The means l4 comprises or is in the nature of a cap which bearsdownwardly on the sealing member i3 and which has mechanical engagementwith the container 0. The cap comprising the means I4 is a simple,integral member of metal or other material having a. suitable degree ofrigidity and capable of being distorted or bent.

The top or top wall ill of the cap is flat and adapted to evenlycooperate with or bear on the upper surface of the sealing member l3. Acentral opening i 9 is provided in the top wall I8 whereby the centralportion of the sealing member l3 and its depression I! are exposed toview, and are engageable without removing the caps. The opening. i9 ispreferably larger than the upmr portion I2 of the body opening wherebythe entire depression I1, as well as the portion of the sealing memberaround the depression I! instrument.

- swam comprisingthemeans ilhasbeenarransedinits proper position thelower portion of the flange 20 is crimped or bent inwardly to enga eunder the rim R. at 2|. This inward bending of the lower end portion ofthe flange 20 forces the top wall ll downwardly against the sealingmember I; and permanently attaches the cap to the container G. The capcomprising the means It tightly holds the flange It in sealingcooperation with the upper surface in of the neck N. In the form of theinvention being described the top wall it of the cap has a downwardlyprojecting or facing annular ridge 2! on its under side. The ridge 22 issuitably spaced between the opening I! and the flange 2t and ispreferably regular and continuous. The ridge 22 distorts or forces themember it into the resilient upper face of the body ii thus providing aneifective outer or secondary seal between the sealing member d theclosure body.

It is believed that the utility and practicability of the form ofclosure means illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive. of the drawing,will be readily =1-'--:- from the foregoing detailed description. Afterthe air has been exhausted from the container C in the manner describedabove the atmospheric pressure acting on the upper side of the sealingmember i8 flexes the central portion of the member into the upperportion Ii. of the body opening I! to provide the depression ii andholds the surrounding adjacent portion of the sealing member in evensealing engagement with the upper surface of the closure body it. Inthis manner the atmospheric pressure acts to maintain the sealing memberIS in engagement with the body to provide a perfectly 'air tight sealfor the container. As long as the proper reduced pressure is maintainedin the container C the atmospheric pressure holds or flexes the centralportion of the initially flat sealing member ii in the upper portionI2"- 012 the body opening providing the depression ii. The depression ilthus indicates that the contents oi the container are preserved and thatthe cont'ainer is properly sealed. The cap comprising the means Itclamps the sealing member it against the upper surface of the closurebody Ii to hold the member in tight sealing engagement with the body.The cap also prevents shifting of the body it and sealing member It, Thecentral portion of the sealing member l3 and its depression II areexposed to view through the opening It so that the condition of the sealmay be instantly determined without moving or disturbing any parts ofthe closure means.

When it is desired to remove or drain the contents irom the container Cthe central portion of the sealing member I3 at the bottom of thedepression I! may be pierced by asuitable cutting instrument to permitthe easy insertion of a tube in the opening I! for the purpose ofdraining the contents of the container. The central portion of a sealingmember I! may be broken or ruptured by the insertion of a suitable tube,needle, or the like in the opening I! and it may not be necessary topierce the sealingmember l3 with a cutting The closure means isextremely simple and inexpensive and facilitates the sterilization ofthe" contents of thecontainer C. The

closure means is adapted to maintain a perfectly air tight seal for anindefinite period to preserve the contents of the container. Thecondition of the seal may be readily determined at any time by merelyexamining the central portion of the sealing member and the depressionI! exposed through the opening I! in the cap.

Fig. 7 of the drawing illustrates a form or modification of theinvention in which the closure body II is longitudinally tapered totightly;

wedge or flt the opening 0 in the neck N of the container. The closurebody ii is sufflciently long to have effective sealing engagement withthe wall of the opening 0 and has a flat smooth upper end. The body H isproportioned to project above the upper end of the neck 'N and has acentral longitudinal opening 30. The upper-portion 30 of the opening 30is enlarged and has an upwardly and outwardly tapered wall.

The sealing element or member i3 embodied in the form of the inventionillustrated in Fig. 7 may be identical with the sealing member [3. Thesealing member i3 is arranged on the upper surface of the body H to sealtherewith and to cover and close the upper end of the opening 30. When areduced pressure exists in the container the atmospheric pressuredistorts or flexes the sealing member i3 into the upper portion 30 ofthe body opening to form a depression H The cap I4 included in thedevice illustrated in Fig. '7 of the drawing may be substantiallyidentical with the cap comprising the means M. The top' wall l8 of thecap l4 is flat and is adapted to bear against the sealing member IS. Acentral opening l9 is provided in the wall l8 whereby, the depression I1and the central portion of the sealing member are exposed to view. Thecap it has an annular downwardly projecting peripheral flange 20 whichis turned or bent under the rim R. as at II to hold the top wall It intight cooperation with the member I3 The closure means shown in Fig. 7of the drawing operates in the same manner as the previously describedform of the invention.

Having described only typical forms and applications of my invention, Ido not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific forms andapplications herein set' forth, but wish to reserve to myself anymodifications or variations that may appear to those skilled in the artor fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A closure for the opening of a container including a closure bodyclosing said opening and having an opening in communication with theintrior of the container, a flexible sealing member covering the outerend of the opening in the body and held in sealing engagement with thebody and flexed into the opening in the body by the action ofatmospheric pressure, and a cap permanently attached to the containerengaging the sealing member to hold it on the body, the cap having anopening through which the flexed portion of the sealing member'isexposed to be visible.

2. A closure for the opening of a container including a closure bodyclosing said opening and having an opening in communication with theinterior of the container, a sealing member arranged on the outer end ofthe body and sealing the outer end of the opening therein through thebody and sealing therewith to seal the opening in the body through theaction of atmospheric pressure and penetrable to allow the contents tobe drained from the container, and means holding the sealing member onthe body with a por-' tion exposed for such penetration, said meansincluding a retaining part engaging the outer surface of the sealingmember.

4-. A closure for the opening oi a container including a plug bodyclosing said opening and having an opening in communication with theinterior oi the container, a flexible sealing member covering the outerend of the body and sealing the opening in the body and flexed thereinby the action of atmospheric pressure, and means preventing displacementof the sealing member from the body and leaving its flexed portionexposed for penetration to remove the contents from the container, saidmeans including a part engaging the sealing member at a point removedfrom said flexed portion.

5. A closure for the opening of a container including a' closure bodyclosing said opening and having an opening in communication with theinterior of the container, a flexible sealing memher on the body sealingthe opening in the body and flexed therein by the action of atmosphericpressure, and means holding the sealing member on the bodywith itsflexed portion exposed for penetration to remove the contents from thecontainer, said means including a capsecured to the container. 7

6. A closure-for a container having an opening and a projecting rim atthe mouth of the opening, said closure including a body closing theopening and having an opening communicating'with the interior of thecontainer, a sealing member onthebody sealing the opening thereinthrough the actionof atmospheric pressure, and a cap holding the sealingmember on the body, the cap including a. part engaging under the rim.

7. A closure for a container having an opening and a projecting rim atthe mouth of the opening, said closure including a body closing theopening and having an opening communicating with the interior of thecontainer, a sealing member on the body sealing the opening thereinthrough the action of atmospheric pressure, and a capholding the sealingmember on the body,

the cap including a part engaging under the rim,

and the cap having an opening leaving the portion of the sealing memberover the opening in the body exposed.

8. A closure for a container having an opening aovaeea and a projectingrim at the mouth of the opening, said closure including a body closingthe opening and havingan opening communicating with the interior of thecontainer, a sealing memher on the body sealing the openingthereinthrough the action of atmospheric pressure, and a cap holding thesealing member on the body, the cap including a peripheral flangeengaging under the rim. r

9. A closure for a container having an opening and a projecting rim atthe mouth of. the opening, saidclosure including a body closing theopening and having an opening communicating with the interior of thecontainer, a flexible sealing member on the body sealing theopening inthe body and flexed therein through the action of atmospheric pressure,and a cap cooperating with the rim to urge the sealing member againstthe body and having an opening leaving the flexed portion of the sealingmember exposed.

10. A closure for a container having an opening and a projecting rim atthe mouth of the opening, said closure including a bodyclosing theopening and having an opening communicating with the interior of thecontainer, a flexible,

sealing member on the body sealing the opening in the body and flexedtherein through the action of atmospheric pressure, and a cap engagingthe outer side of the sealing member and having an opening leaving theflexed portion of the member exposed, the,cap having a. flange engagingunder the rim to force the sealing member against the body.

11. A closure fora container having an opening and a projecting rim atthe mouth of the opening, said closure including a tapered body closingthe opening and having an opening com-,

municating with the interior of the container, a sealing member on thebody sealing the opening therein through the action of atmosphericpressure, and a cap holding the sealing membe'ron the body, the capincluding a part engaging under the rim.

12. A closure for a container having an opening and a'projecting rim atthe mouth of the opening, said closure including a body closing theopening and having an opening communicating with theinterior of thecontainer, a flange on the body seating on the rim, a sealing member onthe body sealing the opening therein through the action of atmosphericpressure, and a cap holding the sealing member on the body, the-capincluding a part engaging under the rim.

DONALD E. BAXTER;

